Any views on what leading brand of 6hp outboard I should get?

[Firefly625]

Going to get a new outboard, probably first choice Yamaha, second Suzuki, Honda is out as they don't do a 6hp which is annoying as I can get a new 5hp pretty reasonably. Then there is Mercury / Mariner. I won't buy a Tohastsu but that's just me, and I will not buy any Chinese brand.... have I missed any?

Have done zero research really.... so hoping others may have done and can let me know which to get without me doing the legwork!

Thanks

 

[Davy_S]

I won't buy a Tohastsu but that's just me

I wonder why that is? a lot of engines up to 30 hp ARE rebadged Tohatsu, they are a good engine. Agree about the Yam though, but not a Suzuki fan!

 

[rafiki_]

I have a Yammie 6hp on the rib. Easy to start, reliable and not noisy. For me though it could do with a bit more refinement, but perhaps I'm asking too much of a single banger.

 

[[2068]]

I wouldn't discount the Honda entirely.

Reason is "cubic cc".

Yamaha is 139cm2.
Honda 127cm2.
Merc / Mariner 123cm2.

Although the Merc/Mariner is rated as 6hp, it's only because the carb is allowing it to rev higher compared to the 5hp from the same block. Unless you are actually running at very high rpm (flat out), you're unlikely to notice much of a difference with only 5hp.

Also the Honda has a 6 year warranty.

Having said that, fishermen swear by Yamaha, and Merc have the best colour scheme and a 5 year warranty, so take your pick

.

 

[Firefly625]

thanks, we have a Suzuki 6hp which is a few years old now, perfect and a single cylinder (so I know what you mean about a bit noisy), but its long shaft. Carried it on board for years as an auxiliary, plus a lovely water cooled Honda 2hp. I'm getting shot of the Suzuki, going to keep the Honda for sentimental reasons although not carry it on the boat. A new 6hp should get our little Honwave 240 moving and with gears will be easier for our daughter to move around.

I'm a bit sold on Japanese engines, as I cant get a Honda 6hp, next best is Yamaha so I think I will get one of those, although I wish they didn't have white covers..

 

[Firefly625]

I wouldn't discount the Honda entirely.

Reason is "cubic cc".

Yamaha is 139cm2.
Honda 127cm2.
Merc / Mariner 123cm2.

Although the Merc/Mariner is rated as 6hp, it's only because the carb is allowing it to rev higher compared to the 5hp from the same block. Unless you are actually running at very high rpm (flat out), you're unlikely to notice much of a difference with only 5hp.

Also the Honda has a 6 year warranty.

Having said that, fishermen swear by Yamaha, and Merc have the best colour scheme and a 5 year warranty, so take your pick

.

well that's a good point, I have been a classic merc fan for years, so almost hoped someone would rave about a merc 6hp.... but even the fact it has the smallest cc puts me off a bit, but as you say black always looks smart!

 

[landlockedpirate]

Honda make some really great engines, but IMHO the 5hp isnt one of them. Yes, it starts and runs like clockwork, but its really noisy and kind of 'thrashy' in use. The 2 cylinder portable Honda's are an altogether different ball game, much, much nicer.

 

[[2068]]

although I wish they didn't have white covers..

Latest ones have grey, not white

Might be worth going for the optional external fuel tank if you do choose the Yamaha.
I'd either go for the Yamaha or the Merc, if it was me.

.

 

[landlockedpirate]

Latest ones have grey, not white

Isnt that a lot better looking than the horrible white ones from the last 2 years.:encouragement:

 

[[2068]]

Isnt that a lot better looking than the horrible white ones from the last 2 years.:encouragement:

Whoever thought white was a good idea should be keelhauled, then put in charge of the "heavily discounted upgrade to proper coloured cowlings" program.

 

[landlockedpirate]

Whoever thought white was a good idea should be keelhauled, then put in charge of the "heavily discounted upgrade to proper coloured cowlings" program.

 

[rafiki_]

Mines a horrible white one which I quite like frankly. A darker cowling will show the dirt/salt more readily.

 

[[2068]]

Mines a horrible white one which I quite like frankly. A darker cowling will show the dirt/salt more readily.

All parents think their children are good looking ...
... and Apple think that white is a cool colour.

Maybe Yamaha were trying for iOutboard?

 

[rafiki_]

All parents think their children are good looking ...
... and Apple think that white is a cool colour.

Maybe Yamaha were trying for iOutboard?

Good job we are all different :encouragement:

 

[Firefly625]

Latest ones have grey, not white

Might be worth going for the optional external fuel tank if you do choose the Yamaha.
I'd either go for the Yamaha or the Merc, if it was me.

.

I think decision made.... grey Yamaha 6hp

 

[rafiki_]

I think decision made.... grey Yamaha 6hp

I'll do you a swap with a white cowling............

 

[Firefly625]

I'll do you a swap with a white cowling............

you are so kind raf, but its OK, you keep your white cowling, I'll just have to put up with the dark grey cowling which will show all the marks...

 

[rafiki_]

you are so kind raf, but its OK, you keep your white cowling, I'll just have to put up with the dark grey cowling which will show all the marks...

 

[paultallett]

Have to say I'm with Rafiki on this one. I quite like the white colour, would look really smart on the back of a white rib in the Med.........

But seeing as we boat on the Hamble, my tender has a black Tohatsu

 

[crazy4557]

I have a grey Yamaha and to be honest it looks very dull and uninspiring. Much prefer the white, looks modern and really good on some of the tenders I've seen especially the white/cream Avon ribs. Sort of takes away the 'big lump of metal' and blends in better if you know what I mean.